Five playmakers to keep an eye on in the postseason

Defenses will pay close attention to these players in the playoffs, and fans should, too

Angel Verdejo Jr.

Updated 9:42 am, Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Manvel quarterback Shane McCarley (3) slides for a first down past Pasadena Memorial's Andrew Garzaduring the first half of a high school football game, Thursday, September 27, 2012 at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Pasadena, TX.
Photo: Eric Christian Smith, Freelance

With the playoffs beginning Thursday, here are five offensive playmakers who could come up big after putting up eye-popping numbers in the regular season:

Bane Bilc, Clear Creek. The junior wideout is the main target in one of the area's top passing attacks. The Wildcats have more than 3,000 yards through the air, with 1,216 going to Bilc. His 85 catches lead the area.

Shane McCarley, Manvel. Part of a two-quarterback system during last year's run to the Class 4A Division II final, McCarley is now in full control of the offense. He has thrown for 3,432 yards and 46 touchdowns to eight interceptions.

Adam Taylor, Katy. After missing nearly all of his junior season, the running back has bounced back big for Class 5A's top-ranked team. Despite sitting in the second half during lopsided games, he has 1,366 yards and 22 touchdowns.

Jordan Wood, Friendswood. Hardly anyone has figured out the Mustangs' senior quarterback, who has 47 touchdowns on the ground and through the air combined.

James White, Dawson. Seventy percent of the Eagles' offense has come on the ground, and White is responsible for half of that. He finished the regular season with 1,697 yards on 185 carries, averaging 9.1 yards per rush.